In this episode of Falling for Learning, Lauren Moseley and T.D. Flenaugh delve into the importance of engaging in personal projects to foster growth, creativity, and resilience. They share their own experiences with summer projects, emphasizing how self-directed learning and creative pursuits can rejuvenate educators, parents, and students alike. If you're looking for inspiration to start your own summer adventure or how to support kids' learning beyond the classroom, this episode offers practical insights and encouragement.**Key Topics Covered:

• Embracing and sharing the chaos of everyday life as part of authentic learning
• How projects can inspire creative thinking and problem-solving in children
• The benefits of self-selected professional development for educators
• Using creative projects to model growth and curiosity for students
• The therapeutic and educational potential of horses in health and stress management
• How sharing personal projects can benefit others and foster community connections

Timestamps: 

00:00 - Introduction: Navigating life's ups and downs through projects

01:15 - Caring for Ellie Mae, the horse, as a summer learning adventure

04:35 - The therapeutic potential of horses in health and stress relief

05:58 - The importance of taking breaks to build patience and avoid burnout

07:23 - Professional development as a selfish, joyful pursuit

13:17 - Using arts and writing projects for self-renewal and healing

17:00 - Preparing for the school year with renewed energy and support

18:26 - The value of taking intentional breaks to reset patience levels

20:23 - Unlocking creativity through Julia Cameron’s "The Artist’s Way"

23:08 - Modeling lifelong learning and creativity for children

27:20 - Planning for community involvement and classroom integration of projects

34:02 - The importance of sharing one’s creative gifts for community benefits

35:22 - Listening to inner voices and trusting instincts in creative pursuits

37:01 - Concluding encouragement to embrace ongoing growth and creativity

Resources & Links:

• Julia Cameron - The Artist’s Way
• Poetry Foundation Fellowship 
• High Horse Docuseries

Season 4, Episode 2: In this episode, Lauren and T.D. share their summer activities and reflections on technology’s role in learning. They explore how personal pursuits can enhance teaching and how trusting instincts benefit both educators and students.

• The transformative power of personal and creative projects for educators and parents
• The influence of technology and screen time policies on student development
• Trusting instincts and promoting self-love, especially around hair, health, and safety
• Educational innovations: recreational horseback riding, therapy animals, and community involvement
• Balancing technology use with traditional learning to foster social and cognitive skills
• Reflecting on recent travels and cultural learning experiences
• Importance of self-care, patience, and intentionality for a fulfilling summer and effective teaching

• (00:00) - The value of personal projects and summer learning adventures
• (02:17) - Reflecting on travel to Guam and outdoor adventures
• (07:41) - Experiencing the challenges and benefits of hiking at Tarzan Falls
• (10:12) - Embracing natural hair and self-love practices
• (15:24) - The importance of trusting children’s instincts for safety
• (20:08) - New policies banning screens for K-1 students and implications for classrooms
• (24:34) - The potential of horses in therapy, learning, and community projects
• (27:20) - The impact of technology overuse on social and executive functioning skills
• (32:33) - Rethinking engagement: slides, Pizzazz, and active learning strategies
• (35:19) - Balancing technology and hands-on interaction for meaningful education

• The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron
• Life360 App
• DIBELS (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills)
• Distraction-Free Schools Policy
• Julia Cameron’s Creative Journaling
• Tarzan Falls, Guam

• The role of self-care and reflection in maintaining patience and effectiveness in the classroom
• The importance of trusting and listening to children’s internal cues for safety and comfort
• Practical strategies for balancing screen time policies with engaging, meaningful instruction

Season 4 ep 1 - ep 143 Falling for Learning Podcast 

PREMIERE OF SEASON 4 FALLING FOR LEARNING PODCAST

This episode focuses on the upcoming Lit’l Authors Bookmaking Workshop (https://flowuptoday.com/event) at the Obama Presidential Center on Saturday, July 25, 2026! This workshop is designed for children to craft their own books and boost their confidence. Wanda Lee Florestine collaborated with Falling for Learning Podcast, Flow Up Productions, and I Am Possible LLC for the bookmaking event. Parents, educators, and the community can get involved by joining, donating, and supporting creative expression in young learners.

Discover the inspiring journey of Wanda Lee Florestine as she shares her innovative ideas for fostering creativity, confidence, and love for learning in children. She details personal stories of overcoming trauma, and her insights on writing, education, and social justice.

Main Topics:

• The origins of Wanda's Lit’l Authors Bookmaking Workshop and its impact
• Building confidence and voice in children through creative projects
• Navigating trauma and systemic challenges in education and life
• The significance of representation and storytelling in shaping perceptions
• How community and family influence learning and personal growth
• Insights into Wanda's career journey from community college to leadership in HR and education

  
  

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction to Wanda Lee Florestine and her upcoming event

(03:37) The conception and origins of the Little Authors Bookmaking Workshop

(06:41) Childhood memories of creating books and crafting confidence through writing

(12:19) Challenges faced during school and trauma's impact on learning

(15:39) Why fostering love for writing and reading sparks lifelong learning

(20:20) Navigating school transitions and developing resilience

(25:12) Personal stories of writing, humor, and cultural identity

(30:30) Wanda’s educational journey from community college to HR leadership

(36:30) Addressing unconscious biases and systemic representation

(42:39) The importance of positive narratives and self-storytelling

(49:00) How to connect with Wanda and participate in her future events

Resources & Links:

Flow Up Productions (https://flowuptoday.com) — Wanda's platform for ongoing events and resources

Fifty Years of Assimilation — Wanda's book on Black identity and societal change

Reclaiming the Jungle — Her upcoming psychological exploration of systemic myths

Who We Are: A Chronicle of Racism in America (https://youtu.be/yDW5ROyU_fw?si=pPRYFzewTBSGlZKj)

Summary

In the final episode of Falling for Learning's season 3, T.D. Flenaugh reflects on her journey through completing her book, managing responsibilities, and navigating personal and professional challenges. She shares insights on balancing joy and pain, the importance of intentionality. An upcoming workshop at the Obama Presidential Center: The Lit'l Authors Bookmaking Event on Saturday, July 25, 2026. Learn more at https://flowuptoday.com/event.

Season 4 will premier on Saturday, July 4 @ 5 PM Pacific!

Chapters

00:00 Season Three Reflection and Transition
03:10 The Journey of Writing and Healing
05:54 Navigating Joy and Pain
08:44 Balancing Responsibilities and Relationships
12:36 Podcast Evolution and Future Plans
15:22 Community Engagement and Upcoming Events
17:48 Reflections on Podcast Guests and Content
20:36 Supporting Children's Learning Journeys

In this episode, educator and author Andratesha Fritzgerald shares her inspiring journey of integrating anti-racism with Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to transform educational spaces into liberating environments for all students. Gain insights into how community, belief in student brilliance, and strategic advocacy shape equitable learning.

• Fritzgerald’s personal motivation rooted in legacy and community advocacy
• The origins and purpose of her book, Anti-Racism and Universal Design for Learning
• How Universal Design for Learning (UDL) can be a tool for liberation and equity
• Strategies for parents and educators to advocate for inclusive, supportive learning environments
• The importance of fostering student agency and self-advocacy
• Practical tips for implementing UDL principles at home and in classrooms
• The evolving landscape of anti-racism efforts in education and society
• Upcoming resources and projects in Fritzgerald’s work, including trauma-informed and anti-racist frameworks

00:00 - Embracing advocacy and the power of seed planting in education
00:29 - The role of students leading protests and personal advocacy journey
01:20 - Guest introduction: Andretisha Fritzgerald’s background and work
02:05 - What drew Fritzgerald into education as a child
04:22 - Origin and purpose of her book, Anti-Racism and Universal Design for Learning
04:39 - The scientific and liberating roots of UDL
05:08 - Writing struggles and the catalyst of societal upheaval in 2020
07:04 - Collaborations with impactful figures like Samaria Rice
07:38 - The importance of integrating anti-racism into everyday educational practices
08:09 - Fritzgerald’s educational path: from engineering to English and beyond
10:47 - The significance of community and connection for under-represented groups
11:15 - The impact of English, women’s studies, and educational leadership studies on her approach
12:14 - Her perspective on lifelong learning and her children’s love for languages
13:01 - Parenting experiences and fostering language development
BuildingBlocksOfBrilliance.com
15:22 - Advice for parents supporting children’s learning through UDL principles
17:12 - Preparing children for future success by building their confidence and independence
19:29 - The importance of self-compassion for parents and guardians
22:04 - Mistakes to avoid: over-controlling and under-trusting children’s abilities
28:04 - Starting points for parents reading Anti-Racism and Universal Design for Learning

• Building Blocks of Brilliance
• Follow Andratesha Fritzgerald on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter

Send us Fan Mail

Join us in this episode as Blain Watson, a seasoned educator, school leader, and parent, shares invaluable insights on how parents can actively support their children's academic and social-emotional development. Discover practical strategies rooted in research and personal experience to create a strong supportive environment for learning and growth.

Main Topics: 

• The importance of building a supportive village around children and the concept of a 'critical mass' of influential adults
• Key frameworks like the 40 Developmental Assets for nurturing well-rounded kids
• How to engage actively with school staff and systems to ensure your child's success 
• Practical questions parents should ask about curriculum, school culture, and social-emotional supports
• Strategies for advocating for your child, including understanding curriculum mastery and support systems

Resources & Links:

• Blain Watson on Twitter

• Blain Watson on Facebook

Join Our Live Wednesdays:

• Instagram Live, every Wednesday, 5:30 - 6:00 PM, to get your questions answered about fostering learning and success in your children.

Support the show

We drop new episodes every Saturday at 5 p.m. Pacific Time.
Follow us:
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Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/fallingforlearning/
https://linktr.ee/falling4learning

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Discover practical strategies to motivate your middle school child to read regularly and improve their reading skills, especially in the aftermath of disruptions like the pandemic. This episode emphasizes fostering a positive reading environment, selecting engaging texts, and establishing consistent routines to build confidence and love for reading.

Main topics:
Understanding and defining reading levels (independent, instructional, frustration)
Strategies to make reading relevant, fun, and interest-based
Tips for scheduling and building a positive reading routine
How to assess your child's current reading level
Addressing negative attitudes toward reading and resetting their relationship with books

In this episode:
The importance of matching reading materials to your child's independent reading level
How to identify if your child is reading at, below, or above grade level
Ways to make reading relevant and engaging based on your child's interests (sports, business, health, etc.)
The significance of creating a dedicated and comfortable reading environment
Practical tips for establishing a consistent reading schedule
Resources for assessing and tracking reading levels, including online tools like NewsElla, IXL, ReadWorks, CommonLit.org
How parental attitude and environment influence a child's reading habits
Encouragement to be patient and persistent in guiding your child's reading journey

Resources:
NewsELA – Customized leveled reading texts
IXL – Diagnostic and skill practice for reading levels
ReadWorks – Reading comprehension resources and assessments
CommonLit.org – Free leveled reading passages

Connect with TD Flenaugh:
YouTube - Falling for Learning

Let's help our children fall in love with reading by making it relevant, routine, and positive!

Support the show

We drop new episodes every Saturday at 5 p.m. Pacific Time.
Follow us:
Instagram -  https://www.instagram.com/fallingforlearning/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/fallingforlearning/
https://linktr.ee/falling4learning

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Falling for Learning Podcast , T.D. Flenaugh dives into the core reasons why traditional schooling methods fail to engage teens and how innovative approaches can reignite their passion for learning. This episode is packed with actionable insights and practical strategies for parents, educators, and advocates to help transform the educational experience for teens.

Points of Discussion

1. Problems with Traditional Schools

2. Project-Based Learning (PBL)

  - Success stories: Watch our interview that features Social Justice Learning Institute’s impact on youth -  SJLI Interview with Derek Steele - 

https://youtu.be/Nr3aFlE4e_g?feature=shared

3. Maker Spaces and Maker Labs

4. Interdisciplinary Learning

5. Passion Projects and Independent Research

6. Alternative Assessments and Grading

Support the show

We drop new episodes every Saturday at 5 p.m. Pacific Time.

Follow us:
Instagram -  https://www.instagram.com/fallingforlearning/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/fallingforlearning/
https://linktr.ee/falling4learning

Send us Fan Mail

Summer is upon us! Take your children to the library! Dr. Eno Attah, a school librarian with a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership, discusses the transformative power of libraries. She highlights her journey from a Nigerian American background, influenced by PBS and her community, to becoming an educator. Dr. Attah emphasizes libraries' role as safe spaces offering resources beyond books, such as hotspots, calculators, and Chromebooks. She advocates for parents to leverage librarians as allies in supporting their children's interests and passions. Dr. Attah also shares her experience transitioning from teaching to librarianship and the diverse roles librarians play in connecting people with resources and passions.

Support the show

We drop new episodes every Saturday at 5 p.m. Pacific Time.
Follow us:
Instagram -  https://www.instagram.com/fallingforlearning/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/fallingforlearning/
https://linktr.ee/falling4learning

Send us Fan Mail

Celebrating Teachers and Supporting Student Success: A Personal Reflection

In this episode, TD Flenaugh shares heartfelt stories and lessons about the importance of teachers in shaping lives, from elementary school to college. It’s a call to recognize ongoing teacher appreciation, foster collaboration, and empower parents and students alike to create environments for success.Key Topics:

• The lasting impact of inspiring teachers like Ms. Byler, Ms. Corr, Ms. Nelson,  and Mr. Beu.

• Practical strategies for students and parents to cultivate meaningful relationships with teachers.

• Lessons in writing, resilience, and navigating educational pathways from elementary to college.

• The importance of affirming potential, self-care, and growth mindset in education.

• Addressing current challenges faced by teachers and proposing ways to support their vital role.

• The significance of community collaboration in fostering student achievement.

• Reflection on personal experiences that highlight the power of intentionality, kindness, and advocacy in education.

• Encouragement to honor teachers beyond one week and to appreciate their contributions year-round.

 Resources & Links:

• The Rewrite Method

• Little Mobile Home on the Tundra

Connect with TD Flenaugh:

• Instagram

Let's honor our teachers every day and support their critical role in shaping our futures.

Support the show

We drop new episodes every Saturday at 5 p.m. Pacific Time.
Follow us:
Instagram -  https://www.instagram.com/fallingforlearning/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/fallingforlearning/
https://linktr.ee/falling4learning